I'm willing to bet they have something in writing that explains the program.

You might see something where they'll take duplexes that are larger or smaller that have sold recently in a mile +/- radius from the subject property or even triplexes that are closer to size and make adjustments to them to accommodate, but my bet is that is a last resort measure.

Christian,As Dave mentioned, I think explaining your situation to your LO and getting pre-approved is your best bet.

I'm betting on one of my tools not being there for me when I retire so that has made me even more determined to fine tune them all so that hopefully each of them will provide me the retirement I'm looking for.  

I'm sure a LOT of CA-based investors primarily bet on appreciation and pay out of pocket for the expenses & mortgage. 

Like others have said, your best bet might be finding a home off market.

And if after a while I have a portfolio of strong stable properties while working my day job, even better.Long story short, I could get 10% through stocks, etc. but the primary difference is that I take pride in seeing something physical in operation, vs. just numbers on a screen.

I bet it's not much.

The only lease I've ever renewed was for a great tenant that needed a physical copy of a valid lease in order to qualify for her medical residency after she finished her doctoral degree in medicine.

lol dude that's pretty funny about your wife and her transaction coordinator never physically meeting.